Plans for the first McDonald's restaurant on the north Norfolk coast have been dealt a blow by Cromer Town Council.

The proposed site for a new McDonald's restaurant in Cromer. Pictures: Planning documents

Proposals have been submitted by Central England Co-op to erect it on the wider Co-operative Foodstore site, in Middlebrook Way, next to Holt Road, in Cromer.

The new restaurant with associated drive-through lane would be built with two customer order displays and external play area, and it would be about 650m from the town centre.

As a consultee, Cromer Town Council has several objections to the proposals, which were outlined at a planning meeting.

Tim Adams, chairman of the town council's planning committee, said: "No-one expressed any views against the principle of the McDonald's.

"But there was an objection on reasonable grounds that they want to take down six trees and some wild cherry shrub. There are preservation orders on the trees, which are on the embankment backing onto Holt Road. It's a very strong objection.

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"There are also concerns on the impact of lighting with 24/7 opening times. There's also an ongoing problem with litter on Holt Road, which is obviously nothing to do with McDonald's at present. Six bags of rubbish have just been picked up on the roadside there, and we would like to see litter mitigation measures.

"There are also concerns about the noise impact with order points near residential housing, and we would like crime prevention measures, with CCTV on site."

The town council also wants Changing Places toilets at the restaurant and more inclusive play equipment, to cater for disabled children.

They also want charging points for cars, and a contribution towards the provision of bus stops and flags on Holt Road.

As reported, businesses in the town are confident they can cope with the competition McDonald's might bring.

Sam Grout, chairman of Cromer Chamber of Trade, said: "The town's traders have weathered threats from larger corporations before and I have no doubt will continue to do so, should plans go ahead."

A consultation on the plans runs until July 11. The ultimate decision will be made by North Norfolk District Council's planning committee.